Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

 

Roads

Summit Road and Motorized Trail Atlas

In addition to State Highways and County Roads, the Forest contains National Forest Roads. Commercial vehicles may need a Road Use Permit to use these National Forest Roads. Some heavy vehicles may need an Overload Permit to cross a bridge when the load exceeds the state legal limit or when the load exceeds the posted bridge limit.

Getting around on Forest roads is different from driving on streets or highways. While on the Forest, always expect and allow for extra driving time when traveling off the State highways. Most Forest roads are narrow, steep and winding routes where safe travel speeds average 20-30 mph on paved roads. Safe travel on gravel and dirt roads travel is even slower.

Travel conditions for a Forest road can be determined from signs, maps, and road entrance conditions. The following descriptions are intended to help you enjoy your visit and to choose Forest roads best suited for your vehicle and driving experience. National Forest route signs use white numbers on a brown background, and are clearly posted at road intersections.

ROAD USE

Motorized travel is prohibited in some areas. Federal law (36 CFR 261.16(a)) prohibits operation of any mechanical or motorized equipment within the boundaries of a Wilderness. In addition, motor vehicles may not enter areas managed for non-motorized recreation under the Stanislaus National Forest Motor Vehicle Direction.

OR

Roads Maintained for Passenger Cars

Some Forest roads are maintained for passenger cars; however, snow is not removed in the winter. Signs for these roads show the route number horizontal.

Roads Not Maintained for Passenger Cars

Most Forest roads receive minimal maintenance. Signs for these roads show the route number vertically. If you choose to drive minimally maintained roads, expect to encounter other vehicles, rocks, downed trees, road washouts, and thick brush. Please do not drive these roads during wet weather because you will leave wheel ruts. Some vertical route markers may be missing, so be watchful for changes in the road conditions. Check with the nearest Forest Service office for regulations regarding off-highway travel.

CLOSED ROADS

Forest roads are sometimes closed to motor vehicles to prevent the rutting of soft roadbeds during wet weather, to reduce disturbances to wildlife species during critical periods, to insure public safety, or because of high fire danger. Such closures are indicated by posted signs, gates and/or barriers. Closures may be seasonal or year-long. Sometimes roads are restricted to logging or administrative use. Signs are posted indicating such restrictions. For safety reasons, you may not use these roads, even though they may look well maintained. Check with the nearest Stanislaus National Forest Office to see when these roads will be open for firewood gathering or other uses.